Book Discussion Guide

Stellaluna by Janell Cannon

Stellaluna

Stellaluna is a fruit bat who becomes separated from her mother, and undergoes many adventures on her way home. It is a classic tale of similarities and differences. At the end of the story, all of the delightful characters find that, with a little respect and experience, none of us are so different, after all. Your child will be charmed by the main character and her adventures, and will love the accompanying pictures. Your family will learn about the habits of fruit bats and birds, and engage with vocabulary such as swooped, clambered, and perched. Stellaluna will provide a wealth of discussion about what makes us both unique and part of a community.

Download Printable Version

Questions To Talk About
While Reading

Vocabulary

It's important to make sure that your child has an understanding of key words in the book. Talking about words while reading is a great way for your child to learn new words.

In this book, you might talk about these words:

  • clutched (pg. 2)
  • swooped (pg. 3)
  • clambered (pg. 4)
  • perched (pg. 5)

Key Ideas and Themes

In addition to words, it's important to talk about key ideas and themes and how they develop over the course of the book.

Here are some examples to get you started:

  • 1

    When Stellaluna falls into the nest, immediately the birds notice something different about the bat. What do they notice? Ask your child to point out other differences between the bats and birds.

  • 2

    As you read the text together, take note of the similarities between Stellaluna and the birds. What do Pip, Flitter, Flap and Stella find they have in common?

  • 3

    On pages 3-4, momma bird tells Stellaluna about behavior she dislikes. What does momma bird consider to be bad? As you continue to read the story, do you notice Stellaluna changing? At the end of the story, is Stella behaving badly?

  • 4

    After reading the text, flip back and forth between the first few pages and the last. As a family, discuss: How does Stellaluna’s adventure begin? How does it end? Have your child explain how the beginning and ending are connected.

  • 5

    What does Stellaluna learn about herself after falling into the birds nest?

  • 6

    Stellaluna wakes up in the morning after leaving the three birds to an interesting view: a bat, just like her! Who is upside down and why? How many meanings does “upside down” have? What are they and how does the meaning change depending on the character? Be sure to use the images and the words in the story as you discuss this as a family.

  • 7

    The book shows a lot of differences and similarities between bats and birds. After reading the story, make a list of these similarities and differences with your child. Encourage him/her to flip back through the pages as you make your list. Ask, “What lesson do these comparisons help teach the three birds and Stellaluna?“ What does
    Stellaluna’s experience with the birds teach you about friendship?

Extra Activities

  • 1

    In Stellaluna we learn lots of interesting aspects about bats in the context of a touching story. The wonderful descriptions of bats open up the opportunity to learn more about the fascinating animals. For example, these bats are able to see and eat mangos! Find out more about these bats by looking up books and articles in your local library or online. Remember to include key details like bats that can see and eat fruit when you’re looking for texts.

  • 2

    Stellaluna is a beautiful tale, but it is complicated. Can you try to break it up into 3 pieces or parts to summarize what happens in the story? You can start by calling them: Beginning, Middle and End. Later, give each part a title as you see fit!